Subscription services have become an essential part of modern life, from streaming your favorite movies and TV shows to listening to the latest music or accessing exclusive content. However, these subscriptions can add up quickly, and not everyone is willing to pay full price. Luckily, there are several ways to score Discounts on subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, and others, helping you enjoy all the content you love without breaking the bank. Here’s how to score great deals on your subscription services.
1. Look for Promotions and Deals Directly from the Service Providers
Many subscription services run occasional promotions and special offers, especially for new users or on major holidays. Keeping an eye on these deals can help you score significant discounts or even free months.
Netflix:
- Free Trials: Netflix has historically offered free trials for new users, often ranging from 7 to 30 days. While they’ve limited or phased this out in some countries, there’s still a chance you can find offers that let you try the service for free or at a reduced rate. It’s worth checking if Netflix offers a free trial in your region.
- Promotions for New Users: Sometimes Netflix offers special rates to new users, such as discounts for the first few months of the subscription. Look for these types of promotions on their website or via email campaigns.
Spotify:
- Free Trials: Spotify offers free trials for its Premium service. For new users, this can be a great way to enjoy the service for a month (or longer) without paying.
- Spotify Student Discount: If you’re a student, you can take advantage of Spotify’s Student Discount, which typically offers 50% off their Premium plan. You can also combine this with Hulu and SHOWTIME for an even better deal.
- Spotify Family Plan: If you have multiple people in your household, consider using the Spotify Family Plan. For a single payment, up to 6 accounts can enjoy Premium features, significantly lowering the per-user cost.
- Special Offers: Spotify often runs sales and promotions, such as discounts on annual plans or special deals when bundling with other services like Hulu or SHOWTIME.
2. Take Advantage of Bundles and Package Deals
Many subscription services offer bundles that allow you to get multiple services for one discounted price. These deals are often cheaper than paying for each service individually and can give you access to premium content from a variety of platforms.
Netflix:
- Mobile-Only Plans: In some regions, Netflix offers a mobile-only subscription at a lower rate than their standard plans. While the features are more limited (you can only watch on your phone or tablet), it’s a great option for those who primarily use mobile devices to watch Netflix.
Spotify:
- Spotify + Hulu Bundle: Spotify often offers bundles that combine Spotify Premium with other services, like Hulu (with ads) or SHOWTIME. This can save you up to $15 per month, depending on the bundle.
- Spotify + Apple One: Apple’s subscription service Apple One offers bundles that include Spotify, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and other Apple services. This could be a great option if you use multiple Apple products.
Amazon Prime:
- Amazon Prime Video + Music: If you’re already an Amazon Prime member for the free shipping benefits, remember that you also get access to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music. If you’re already using Amazon’s ecosystem, you could save money by not needing to pay separately for services like Netflix or Spotify.
3. Use Third-Party Discounts and Cashback Offers
Third-party retailers, cashback sites, and other platforms often offer discounts or cashback on subscription services, making it easier to get a lower rate for the services you love.
Cashback Sites:
- Rakuten: Cashback websites like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) offer cashback for subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, and others when you sign up through their links. Depending on the promotion, you can get cashback rates of up to 5% or more on these subscriptions.
- TopCashback: Similar to Rakuten, TopCashback is another platform where you can earn cashback for signing up for subscription services. Keep an eye out for special cashback offers for streaming and media services.
Gift Cards and Discount Retailers:
- Retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart: Sometimes, you can find gift cards for services like Netflix or Spotify at a discounted rate in retail stores or online. For example, buying a $100 Netflix gift card for $90 means you’re saving $10 immediately.
- Groupon and Deal Sites: Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial sometimes feature discounted subscription plans or offer coupon codes for streaming services. These can be great for securing a cheaper first month or getting a discount on an annual subscription.
4. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly
If you’re a regular user of a particular subscription service, paying annually rather than monthly can help you save in the long run. Many subscription services offer discounts to users who commit to a full year upfront, allowing you to save a significant amount.
Netflix:
- While Netflix doesn’t officially offer an annual discount, users have found that committing to an annual subscription may sometimes result in a small discount or free extra months, depending on local offers.
Spotify:
- Spotify Premium Annual Plan: Instead of paying monthly, Spotify offers a Premium Annual Plan that can save you a few bucks over the course of the year. You pay upfront, but you end up with a discounted rate that’s typically lower than paying month-to-month.
5. Look for Student or Military Discounts
Many subscription services offer special rates for students and military personnel, allowing you to enjoy their benefits at a lower price. These discounts are often available with proof of student or military status and are a great way to save money on services you use frequently.
Spotify:
- Spotify Premium for Students: Spotify offers a Student Discount for Premium users. If you’re currently enrolled at a university, you can get Spotify Premium at a 50% discount. Plus, it includes access to Hulu’s ad-supported plan as a bonus.
Other Services:
- Netflix: Netflix doesn’t offer an official student or military discount, but there are regional promotions that may occasionally offer discounted or free trial periods for students.
- Apple Music: Apple offers a student discount for Apple Music, which is also available with the Apple One bundle. This provides access to the entire Apple ecosystem at a lower price.
6. Share a Subscription with Friends or Family
One of the easiest ways to save money on subscription services like Netflix and Spotify is by sharing the subscription with family or friends. Many services allow for multiple accounts or profiles under a single subscription, meaning you can split the cost.
Netflix:
- Netflix Family Plan: If you’re not already using the Family or Premium plans, consider upgrading to one of these. They allow multiple streams at once, so family members can share the cost of a subscription.
Spotify:
- Spotify Family Plan: For just a bit more than the regular Premium plan, you can get the Spotify Family Plan, which allows up to 6 accounts under one subscription. This can save you a significant amount of money if you’re willing to share the plan with others.
7. Follow Social Media and Email Newsletters for Exclusive Deals
Many subscription services offer special deals, discounts, and promotions to their social media followers or email subscribers. Signing up for newsletters and keeping an eye on their social accounts can alert you to deals that may not be advertised elsewhere.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Many streaming services send out promo codes and offers exclusively to their email subscribers. Signing up can be an easy way to snag a discount.
- Social Media Offers: Follow Netflix, Spotify, and other subscription services on their social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) to be the first to hear about flash sales, special offers, and giveaway contests.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Savings on Subscription Services
With subscription services becoming a standard part of our digital lives, finding ways to save on platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and more can make a big difference. By taking advantage of promotions, bundles, third-party deals, and discounts for students or families, you can score substantial savings. Keep an eye on timing, and don’t be afraid to shop around for the best offers—whether you’re looking to sign up for the first time or renew your plan. With a little effort, you can continue to enjoy all your favorite content without overspending. Happy streaming and listening!